Gives observations on the coincidence of nectar secretion and the opening of the anthers in Aucuba.

Sends CD another piebald potato and a spray of holly, from Mr Fish, discussed in Gardeners’ Chronicle of 22 Jan [1869, p. 83].

Discusses fertilisation of Aucuba and Polygala.

No paradox that unimportant characters are important systematically. This view removes heavy burden from CD’s shoulders. Relief that JDH does not object.

On development of horns in merino sheep. Encloses reports from herdsmen he has approached.

Is assembling apparatus of lenses and reflector to observe flower from opening to first shedding of pollen, and to determine whether fertilisation is by night- or day-feeders.

Will also examine reasons for absence of nectar in Polygala linaria.

Is trying to determine conditions governing whether or not a salmon will rise for a fly.

Answer to CD’s query as to whether horns on deer are for use or ornament. [See Descent 2: 252–3.]

Sends a paper on reproductive modes of Leptodera ["Organisation und Fortpflanzen von Leptodera", Schr. Ges. Beförd. Naturw. Marburg (1869)].

Criticises Ernst Haeckel’s work as too unripe and enthusiastic.

Asks CD for some specimens of cirripedes in pupal stage for a work in progress.

Believes Portuguese habit of removing tails of pointers is responsible for birth of some tailless dogs.

On development of horns in fawns of fallow deer.

Argues that [general variability] of species, not single variations or sports, is basis for modification and adaptation to new conditions.

DF’s opinion of Gustav Jenzsch’s book [Mikroskopische Flora und Fauna (1868)]. Encloses extract of a letter from Ferdinand Zirkel also mentioning Jenzsch’s work.

Requests authorisation to translate Journal of researches into French.

Statement of sales of U. S. edition of Origin.

Corrects T. M. Brewer’s statement, cited in the Origin, that the American cuckoo never uses other birds’ nests. [See Origin, 5th ed., p. 266.]

A case of fighting in crabs (Portunus puber against Carcinus maenas) [see Descent 1: 332].

Lyell says CD is revising what he says about the Weald in the Origin. Asks CD to look at his subaerial denudation views in his book [Physical geology and geography of Great Britain, 2d ed. (1864)].

Gives consent, which is unnecessary because term of protection has expired, for French translation of Journal of researches.

Is at a loss to know how many copies of F. Müller’s Facts and arguments for Darwin to print.

The printer is ready for copy for a new "edition" of Variation. [Presumably another issue. 2d edition did not appear until 1875.]

Received and read ACR’s Physical geology. Places him at head of the subaeria denudationists. Unfortunately CD confounded William Whitaker’s article with ACR’s views and gave Whitaker credit for first producing the evidence. Will rectify it now. Has eliminated the rubbish he wrote on the Weald and will add a paragraph on importance of subaerial denudation.